If you like the game, the easiest way to get in is through the base Upper Deck line.

Virtually zero "prospecting" in hockey as the players have to appear in an NHL game before they appear on an NHL licensed card...and the minor league products have such a niche market that it's almost not relevant.

Base Upper Deck Young Guns rookies for the game's best players are "easily" chased 1:4 packs of a $4 (US) product. Some years, the base rookies of brand-new players selling for $200.